Their rushing attack could be altered by one unexpected move.
Unproven Running Back Acquired In Low-Risk Trade Proposal by the Dallas Cowboys
Many trades that would result in a “win-win” situation for both parties were suggested by the 33rd Team. Israel Abanikanda, a running back, joining Dallas was on the list:
Let the cowboys take a chance on Israel Abanikanda.
Details of the trade: Jets acquire a 2025 sixth-round pick and the Cowboys acquire running back Israel Abanikanda.
The worst running back room in the NFL is that of the Dallas Cowboys. That problem isn’t entirely solved by trading for Israel Abanikanda, but the electric slasher would provide the run game some much-needed boost. For now, Ezekiel Elliott will take early-down snaps; for big plays, the unimpressive Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn will have to step up.
Alternatively, Abanikanda might be this team’s Tony Pollard in 2022. Since his time at Pitt, Abanikanda has consistently designed chunk plays, and his ability to run into open space has been demonstrated during the preseason. He gained 129 yards on 21 attempts with two touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
New York Jets, Round 5 RB in 2023 This preseason, Israel Abanikanda had the highest PFF rushing grade of any running back.
Despite having Abanikanda, New York has continued to throw resources at the running back position even though it could use the playmaking. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, two 2024 rookies, are more recent additions who are expected to play certain roles. Since Abanikanda will be on the roster bubble, acquiring him shouldn’t be too expensive.Dallas needs a long-term running back solution as soon as possible. Is Abanikanda the solution?
Despite having little NFL experience, Abanikanda enjoyed a breakout season in his senior year of college.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Pitt | ACC | FR | RB | 7 | 28 | 95 | 3.4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 1 | 30 | 106 | 3.5 | 2 |
| *2021 | Pitt | ACC | SO | RB | 13 | 123 | 651 | 5.3 | 7 | 24 | 197 | 8.2 | 1 | 147 | 848 | 5.8 | 8 |
| *2022 | Pitt | ACC | JR | RB | 11 | 239 | 1431 | 6.0 | 20 | 12 | 146 | 12.2 | 1 | 251 | 1577 | 6.3 | 21 |
| Career | Pitt | 390 | 2177 | 5.6 | 28 | 38 | 354 | 9.3 | 3 | 428 | 2531 | 5.9 | 31 | ||||
Dallas could easily part with a late-round draft pick for the opportunity to land their running back of the future.
